Page 73 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

He backed away when she reached for his shirt again. “I don’t think we should do this.”

“Why not?”

“If there’s a babe in there, I don’t want to be… jostling it.”

She laughed and he felt his ears grow hot from embarrassment. He liked children and bairns well enough, but he didn’t know much about women carrying them. It wasn’t discussed.

He felt he may need another trip to Cam’s soon.

“You will not jostle anything. Besides, if it turns out I’m not yet with child, it will make it even later if we wait.”

“Do you feel any different?”

She laughed again. “No. But I wouldn’t feel anything this early on.”

He nodded. “If you’re certain I won’t hurt anything.”

Her only answer was to yank his shirt over his head and pull him down to the bed. He did his duty and soon she was gasping for breath as he rolled off her.

“Are you well? I didn’t push too hard, did I?”

She laughed at him again. It was becoming a common thing. “Please don’t get your hopes up. I’m only two days late.”

He nodded, but it was too late. As they lay there, all he could think about was them having a babe.

Despite Ev telling him it was much too soon to know for sure, Evelyn joined him in his excitement, and at night when Gwennie was asleep they talked quietly about the possibility of having another child together.

When two days grew into four days and then five, he was overwhelmed with joy, which was the reason on day six when her courses came, he was devastated with disappointment.

He’d come into their chamber before the evening meal with that ever-present smile on his face and she turned on him with anger flashing in her dark eyes.

“I told you not to jump to conclusions because I was late. Now I have to disappoint you by telling you my courses came today.” She walked in a circle. It was clear he wasn’t the only one disappointed.

He thought perhaps it was more pain than anger that caused her to lash out. Pain he’d caused in his eagerness.

“I’m sorry, Ev. I’m not disappointed with you.” Never her.

She let out a noise that might have been a laugh but was clearly not happy.

“No. Of course you wouldn’t be disappointed in me. I’m some goddess who does no wrong and is not worthy of you. So you’ll blame yourself. You’ll think I didn’t conceive yet because of some lack on your part.”

He swallowed. It was true he had wondered if he was at fault. It wouldn’t be a surprise for some new obstacle to be placed before him by Fate. And he wasn’t worthy of her, though he was smart enough not to say that right now.

“I’m sorry I was overexcited by the possibility of a babe,” he said, hoping they were the right words. Clearly, he’d misjudged when she stomped her foot and screamed.

“You don’t need to apologize for wanting the chance to be a father to your own child.”

“Perhaps you could just tell me what it is I should apologize for so I can do it properly. I’m afraid I’m not good with this.” He came closer, thinking to embrace her.

She gave him a right sturdy shove and he stepped away only to have her come closer and wrap her arms around his waist. Her tears dampened his shirt and he held on as she cried. It was like being trapped in the winds of a storm, being pushed this way and that. Not knowing from which direction the next gale would blow.

“What did I do? I’m so sorry, Ev.” He let out a breath and held her close. “I want to make it right. Tell me how to do that. I beg ye.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong.” She calmed a bit, but he remained on edge, sure he would set her off again with his next words. Rather than risk it, he remained silent.

She went on, though her voice remained calm for the moment. “Seeing you excited made me rather excited and now I’m disappointed as well.” She pressed her index finger to his chest. “But I’m not disappointed in you. These things happen when they’re meant to happen.”

“You’re right. I’ll be more patient.”